In this episode, Joel Stone shares his inspiring journey from a small design agency to a multimillion-pound marketing powerhouse. Discover how strategic decisions, knowing your numbers, and embracing fun and authenticity can transform your business and life.

00:00 Introduction to Joel Stone and Code Break

01:14 The Journey of Building a Business

07:01 Navigating Challenges and Partnerships

11:00 The Transition to a National Agency

13:29 Understanding Client Needs and Outcomes

18:12 Success Stories and Client Transformations

19:09 Choosing the Right Clients

22:45 Staying Outcome Driven in Business

23:08 Evolving Ideal Client Profiles

27:48 The Importance of Knowing Your Numbers

30:15 Investing in Personal Development

36:41 Experiencing Disney with the Team

In this conversation, Jamie Stewart and Dave Christie explore the significance of networking, especially during International Networking Week.

They discuss the importance of having a purpose when networking, sharing personal success stories, and the value of follow-up.

Networking is not just about immediate gains but about building long-term relationships and being open to opportunities.

Takeaways

Networking allows for reflection and purposeful engagement.

It's essential to help others in networking, not just seek benefits.

Personal stories can illustrate the value of networking effectively.

Networking can lead to unexpected opportunities and referrals.

Follow-up is crucial for maintaining connections made during networking.

Networking should be viewed as a marketing activity.

Engagement strategies, like asking questions, enhance networking experiences.

Building relationships is key to successful networking.

Networking is a journey that requires patience and openness.

In this engaging conversation, Jamie and Gautam Ganglani explore the significance of building meaningful relationships through networking and events.

They discuss the concept of 'Breaking Bread' as a way to foster deeper connections, the evolution of Gautam's business in the event planning industry, and the unique advantages of living and working in Dubai.

00:00 Introduction and First Meeting

03:04Breaking Bread: Building Relationships

06:03 The Importance of Events and Networking

09:52 Gautam's Business Journey

12:52 Dubai: A Global Business Hub15:46Value Beyond Speaker Selection

19:35 Maximizing Event Participation

24:39 Post-Event Engagement Strategies

In this episode, Jamie sits down with Stephen Foster, founder of One Golden Nugget. From building a global music business to launching a platform dedicated to shared wisdom, Stephen’s journey is anything but ordinary.

They explore:

• Why energy matters more than strategy in business

• How to turn adversity into insight

• The role of giving and receiving in deepening relationships

• What it really means to surround yourself with the right people

• Stephen’s bold vision to raise global consciousness through the power of shared stories

If you're building a values-led business or looking to create deeper connections, this conversation will give you the nudge to think bigger and lead with purpose.

In this episode, Jamie Stewart and Gillian Schofield talk about what really makes networking work for ambitious business owners.

It’s not just about finding clients. It’s about building the kind of relationships that lead to collaborations, partnerships, and long-term growth.

Together they explore:

• Why your ideal clients might not come directly from the room, but your next big opportunity could

• How to spot and create complementary service partnerships

• The shift from transactional networking to intentional connection

• Why online networking can be more powerful (and efficient) than you think

• Real examples of how collaboration has helped Circle Networks members grow faster and smarter

If you’ve ever felt like networking should lead to more than just a business card exchange, this episode is for you.

Chapters

00:00 Rethinking Networking: From Selling to Collaborating

03:02 Identifying Ideal Clients and Partnerships

05:45 The Power of Collaboration in Business

08:50 Creating Unique Offerings Through Partnerships

11:47 Building Relationships: The Foundation of Collaboration

14:40 The Efficiency of Online Networking

17:33 Intentional Networking: Seeking Collaborations

In this conversation, Jamie and Gillian explore the concept that only a small percentage of people are ready to buy at any given time and how to effectively engage with the larger audience that isn't immediately interested. Takeaways:

• Networking should focus on building relationships, not just sales.
• Only 3% of people are ready to buy at any moment.
• Desperation in networking can repel potential clients.
• Asking 'Who do you know that needs this?' is more effective than pitching.
• Preparation and presenting your best self is crucial for networking success.
• Engaging conversations are built on asking good questions.
• Being interested in others makes you more memorable.
• Specificity in requests increases the likelihood of referrals.
• Networking is a skill that can be learned and improved.
• Follow up after networking events to solidify connections.

00:00 The Networking Dilemma: Desperation vs. Connection02:23 Understanding the 3%: The Importance of the 97%04:48 Building Relationships: The Art of Networking07:28 Creating Memorable Impressions09:55 The Right State: Preparing for Networking Success12:18 Asking the Right Questions: Engaging Conversations14:45 Wrapping Up: Key Takeaways for Effective Networking

In this episode, Gillian Schofield and Jamie Stewart have a straight-talking conversation about a trap so many business owners fall into... trying to do it all on their own.If you’ve ever told yourself, “I’ll just start my own business, get some clients, and manage everything myself,” this one’s for you. We’ve both been there. We’ve both worked late into the night, hit bottlenecks, and felt the pressure of keeping all the plates spinning.We talk about the moment you realise that doing everything yourself might be holding you back. From the hidden costs of doing too much, to the social isolation that creeps in when you’re always working alone, we share the reality behind self-employment that no one puts on LinkedIn.You’ll hear us talk about when to bring in help, how to spot when you’ve hit your ceiling, and why building a support network isn’t just helpful... it’s necessary. Whether you’re starting out or you’re a few years in and still carrying the weight of everything, this conversation will give you plenty to think about.Real stories. Practical ideas. No nonsense.00:00 Starting a Business on a Budget04:36 Navigating Self-Employment Challenges09:25 Entrepreneurial Support and Networking10:16 "Seizing Opportunities Through Collaboration"13:47 Realistic Billable Hours Challenge17:02 "Business Solutions Require Human Connection"20:18 Benefits of Delegating Tasks25:01 Outsourcing and Budget Planning30:15 Delegating Low-Value Tasks31:14 "Subscribe to Scale Business"

The Buffalo Sessions — Episode: Networking is Broken

Watch this before your next networking event.

Jamie Stewart is joined by first-time co-host Gillian Schofield for a raw, honest, and practical conversation about why traditional networking doesn’t work — and what to do instead.

In this episode:

Why most people approach networking the wrong way

The Networking Trap and how to escape it

How Circle Networks flips the script from “pitching” to relationship building

Why chasing 1-to-1s with everyone is a waste of time

The power of long-term collaboration over quick wins

How to build a referral team who actually sends you business

What real networking success looks like — with stories that prove it

Key takeaways:

Stop going to events just to sell.

Build friendships first — business follows.

A single great connection beats a dozen forgettable ones.

Strategic follow-up wins over frantic follow-up.

Warm introductions are more valuable than email intros.

00:00 Rethinking Business Networking Labels

04:31 "Networking: Beyond Client Hunting"

07:24 Building Trust Before Business

12:11 "Trap of Low Ticket Offers"

14:33 "Rethinking Networking for Relationships"

17:03 Integrate Networking with Marketing

20:15 Unlocking Networking Potential on LinkedIn

25:43 Friendship vs. Work Priorities

26:53 "Thanks for Listening"

Find out more about Circle Networks and grab your free trial here https://circlenetworks.co.uk/free-trial